Phorum 2025 will spotlight AI’s impact on Philadelphia’s workforce and enterprise

As artificial intelligence evolves into an ever-present business practice, Philadelphia technologists and entrepreneurs are gathering to discuss its real-world impacts on local innovation at the Phorum Technology Conference.

The annual event, organized by us here at the Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies (PACT), returns on Tuesday, April 22, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Comcast Technology Center’s Ralph Roberts Forum, with a reception to follow. Register here.

The event comes at a time when the role of AI in daily life and business operations is expanding. How rapidly? That’s another question.

A recent Pew Research Center report found that while nearly 80% of AI experts say Americans interact with artificial intelligence constantly or several times daily, only 27% of U.S. adults perceive this level of frequent interaction. The study also revealed a notable gap between AI experts and the general public regarding the perceived usefulness of AI-driven tools like chatbots: while 83% of experts find them at least somewhat useful in daily life, only about half of the general public (49%) shares this view.

Phorum is a place to discuss these developments in person. The keynote features Vanessa Z. Chan, vice dean of innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania. Named to one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People lists, Chan’s experience in academia, startups, large corporations and government gives her a unique vantage point on how innovation translates from concept to commercial impact. Previously appointed by President Biden as chief commercialization officer at the US Department of Energy, Chan was responsible for advancing private sector adoption of new clean energy technologies.

Dean Miller, CEO of PACT, highlighted the conference’s emphasis on tangible outcomes.

“Each year, we strive to create a platform where C-level executives, investors, startups and industry pioneers unite to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in emerging technology,” Miller said. “As AI continues to revolutionize the enterprise landscape, Phorum 2025 will provide the insights, connections and strategies needed to drive meaningful business impact.”

Learn and connect on various tracks

Conference sessions will address multiple key areas:

• Workforce evolution: Examining AI’s role in productivity enhancements and the changing landscape of employee engagement.
  
• Organizational metamorphosis: Real-world case studies on strategic tech implementations that drive organizational collaboration and innovation.
  
• Visionary founders’ perspectives: Insights from enterprise technology leaders who have successfully navigated market disruptions.
  
• Investment intelligence: Expert analysis of current trends in technology investments and effective risk management.
  
• The embodied AI revolution: Evaluating practical business use-cases and considerations for integrating robotics, drones, and other embodied AI solutions.
  
• Digital transformation mastery: Best practices for developing actionable digital strategies and achieving measurable business outcomes.
  

Dive into the Demo Pit

Returning this year is Phorum’s Demo Pit, a competition for startups to present their products directly to potential clients, partners and investors. 

Participating companies will pitch their technology solutions live from 9 to 10 a.m., competing for “Best in Show.” The winner gains automatic entry into PACT’s Mid-Atlantic Capital Conference pitch competition this fall. Past Demo Pit participants have collectively raised over $350 million, and several have achieved successful exits.

Phorum continues to be a central fixture in the innovation ecosystem, known for fostering dialogue around practical tech strategies rather than theoretical promises. As the Pew report highlights, businesses face a critical task in closing the awareness and trust gaps in AI adoption, making this year’s conversations especially timely. We hope you will join us! 

For registration details and further information, visit PACT’s Phorum 2025 page.